Inside TGR Foundation’s(Tiger Woods Charity) Learning Lab Model: Education, Measurement, and Durable Skills

Stephen Garten sits down with Cyndi Court to mark the TGR Foundation’s 30th anniversary and unpack how the foundation evolved from golf clinics into a scaled education model centered on “Learning Labs.” Cyndi explains how TGR built a repeatable program framework, standardized curriculum, and modern measurement systems before expanding to new cities. The conversation also covers durable skills, partnerships that actually work, earned revenue through events, and what makes a strong nonprofit board.Key topics coveredThe origin story of TGR Foundation (1996) and Tiger Woods’ family values of “sharing and caring”The post 9/11 shift toward education and deep community investmentWhat a “Learning Lab” is, and why it is not a school or a drop-in centerProgram pillars: STEAM, health and well-being, career and college readinessWhy TGR added the “A” in STEAM, creativity and curiosity in the AI eraScaling responsibly: standardization, tech infrastructure, and measurement before expansionHow TGR measures outcomes, including durable (soft) skillsPartnerships: how to say no, avoid mission creep, and use guiding principlesEarned revenue and sustainability through TGR Live eventsLeadership lessons and building an engaged board that understands nonprofit economicsHow listeners can volunteer and support the Learning LabsTGR Foundation timeline and growth1996: Foundation launched as Tiger turns proEarly years: Golf clinics and introducing golf to youth from under-resourced communitiesPost 9/11: Tiger refocuses foundation on education and invests deeply in his hometown communityAnaheim Learning Lab: First flagship model, 35,000 sq ft, operating for 20 yearsPhiladelphia Learning Lab: Opened April 1, 30,000 sq ft on Cobbs Creek campusPlanned expansion:Los Angeles: Early 2027 (Lulu’s Place campus)Atlanta: Later 2027 (with proximity to Atlanta Technical College)Augusta: Early 2028 (in partnership with Augusta National)What makes the Learning Lab model differentStructured programming, not a hangoutFree access for kids and familiesMultiple delivery formats:School field trips (plus teacher professional development)After school programming (critical hours for youth safety)Summer camps (preventing summer learning loss)